Artist Bio | Laurie Barton

The process of creating art has been a passion for Laurie Barton since childhood, transforming diverse art materials and found objects into three-dimensional forms.

Today, Laurie is a contemporary figurative sculptor widely recognized for her compelling body of work that includes inspirational bronze figures, busts, medals of honor and bas reliefs. She casts her work in bronze using the lost wax method. Her in-depth portfolio encompasses Busts, Dance, Fashion, Historic, Inspirational, and Military pieces.

Laurie’s commissioned subjects, which include U.S. presidents, military, educational, and corporate leaders, have found their way into leading institutions such as Norfolk Southern Corporation, National War College, Ave Maria University, Lockheed Martin, Mercer Advisors, The Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and the Naval Postgraduate School, to name a few. Her bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt is prominently displayed in the dining room of the Marco Polo, located at Union Station in Washington, DC. Her work is also featured in private collections nationwide.

The artist transforms her pieces from basic portraits to profound universal symbols through animated gestures and facial expressions. As a licensed psychotherapist, she reveals her awareness of the potential for art to convey a sense of healing. Her desire to express hopeful stories of humanity is prominent in her “Inspirational” and “Dance” series. For example, when describing her piece “Divine Whisper” she emphasizes her motivation to portray “the relationship between the human and the divine”.

An example of Laurie’s unique story-telling process was evident when she was invited to be the Official Artist of Nolcha Shows New York Fashion Week in 2017. Her fashion-inspired collection of four sculptures included “Esther” which pays homage to Eunice Johnson, one of the most influential women of the 21st century. This piece exudes a sense of grace and self-empowerment.

Using her talent to help others is important to Laurie. She created the Arlington Artworks, now known as NOVA Artworks. This therapeutic art program is for adults with severe mental illness and intellectual disabilities. It provides clients with a safe, creative environment to experiment with painting, drawing and glass work to express themselves and find purpose and joy in their lives.

Commissions

Norfolk Southern Corporation

President Franklin D. Roosevelt – 32nd President of the United States - Life Size Bronze Bust

National War College

President Theodore Roosevelt – 26th President of the United States - Life Size Bust

General Colin Powell – National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff- Life Size Bronze Bust

General George C. Marshall – Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense – Life Size Bronze Bust